Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 - (Page 27)

ABOVE AND ABOVE RIGHT: A suite and an exterior view of the Sofitel Palais Jamai in Fez LEFT: Exterior view of the Octogone Terre Resort in Marrakech, which embodies an eco-friendly, sustainable philosophy, featuring light and water conservation and recycling programs AGENTADVICE Laurette De Moro, an Albuquerquebased outside agent for Worldview Travel, has been selling Morocco for Private butler service can be arranged for the suites. All rooms can be booked through the GDS; commission is 10 percent. Contact Assistant General Manager Mohamed Lamarti, at 011-212-24-33-4060, lamarti@octogonehotels.com, for VIP clients. Farther north, in the sacred city of Fez, the Sofitel Palais Jamai (www.sofitel.com, 800-SOFITEL or 011-212-35-63-4331) was built in 1879 as a palace for the Jamai family. Its Moorish-Arabic style was left intact when it was converted into a hotel in the 1930s, and the Sofitel is still one of the top accommodations to be had. In the 1970s a five-story wing was added. The rooms and suites offer a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Moroccan decor. The Al Fassia Moroccan restaurant boasts some of the finest cuisine in the city. Fez is the oldest of the Imperial Cities, and travelers can spend days exploring its souks, medina (ancient quarter) and historical sights. The hotel can arrange for day trips to an authentic Berber village, golf at the nearby 18-hole course, visits to the Moulay Jacob hot springs (only 20 minutes away) and private guided shopping trips. Book one of the 19 suites, seven of which are in the old building and thus are more traditional and ornate in style. For the ultimate in luxury— and spaciousness—book the Prince Suite, the largest in the hotel. It has three separate rooms, including two large sitting rooms, one of which can be used as a meeting/dining room. There is also a private entrance for celebrities and VIPs. General Manager Denis de Schrevel (denis. deschrevel@accor.com, 011-212-35-63-4332) can be contacted for VIP guests. Commission is 10 percent. Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc. com/eng, 800-344-6726) is the only carrier that flies nonstop to Casablanca from New York. The flight is seven hours, which is shorter than flights to some European capitals from New York. The airline codeshares with Delta, making it easy for travelers to connect from feeder markets such as Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, Los Angeles and Boston. 13 years. Her idea of a perfect Morocco itinerary is as follows: “I have clients start with two or three nights in Fez, staying at the historical Palais Jamai hotel. In Fez, I arrange for my clients to visit the mosques and the old market. “On the way to Marrakech, I have them spend one night in a Berber village in a traditional Berber tent, which includes dinner with the Berbers and a camel ride in the Sahara at Merzouga. Then down to Marrakech, used as a base to fan out to the Dra valley, Ouarzazate for the camel market and Essaouira, an old Portuguese outpost along the ocean. “In Marrakech,” De Moro says, “visits include the Menara Gardens, Koutoubia minarets, Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace and the Jemaa El Fna Square. I also include a visit to the Ourika Valley, with tea with a local family and a visit to the local market. Then a donkey ride to Kasbah Toubkal, a tour of Essaouira and an early-morning visit to Ouarzazate for the camel market. “In total, I plan for eight nights, but it should be longer for those clients who have the time to give them a good feel for this fantastic country.” She notes: “Like in many countries, the southern parts are almost always the most interesting.” Airlift Increase Last summer, spurred by rising demand, the airline increased its New York service to 10 flights per week from JFK. In late 2008, the carrier will introduce the 787 Dreamliner, making Royal Air Maroc the first airline to serve North American passengers with the highly anticipated, technologically advanced aircraft. Royal Air Maroc has also introduced a family-friendly frequent flyer program in which one account is set up for a family and miles from any family member’s flights go into the communal pot. It’s an easy way to rack up points quickly and efficiently. Royal Air Maroc celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007 and will be even more important in the next few years in helping Morocco meet its Vision 2010 goal. The airline operates an extensive domestic network and serves points in North America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. I CONNECTING YOU For more on things to see and do in Morocco, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/morocco February 4, 2008 TravelAgent | 27 http://www.royalairmaroc.com/eng http://www.royalairmaroc.com/eng http://www.sofitel.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/morocco

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Mid-Priced Hotels in Paris Europe Briefs Africa: Morocco’s Must-See Cities of Fez and Marrakech Africa News & Notes Pacific/Asia: What's New in Tokyo Pacific/Asia Briefs Hawaii: Lanai, Famous for its Pineapple Production, Repositions as “The Private Island” Oahu Hotels and Activities Las Vegas: New Nightclubs in Sin City California: San Francisco Keeps Pace with Demand Ski/Snowboard: The Ritz-Carlton Denver, Luxe Gateway to the Rockies Central & South America: North American Travelers are Discovering Brazil Latin America News & Notes Caribbean News & Notes Caribbean: Three Smaller U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts Cruises: Wave Season Rolls In Cover Story: Cayman Islands Transportation: Airline Issues Facing Agents Agent Profile: New Tzell VP Lisa Benzakein Aims to Pump Up the Agency’s Leisure Sales Technology: TRAMS Marketing Alliance Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar ASTA's Key Issues State of the Cruise Industry Caribbean Hotel News Australia Promotes Shorter Visits In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Victoria Clipper/Clipper Vacations Special Outsert

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

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